Assemblyman Inganamort says MVC changes policy to allow teens to hold e-bike, learner’s permits simultaneously

NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has changed a policy that prevented some teenagers from holding an e-bike permit and a motor vehicle learner’s permit at the same time, according to Assemblyman Michael Inganamort.

The issue arose after Chester Township Mayor Tim Drag contacted Inganamort regarding his 16-year-old son, who had a learner’s permit to drive but was denied an e-bike permit. According to Inganamort’s office, Drag was told by the MVC that a person could not possess both permits simultaneously.

Inganamort, R-Morris, subsequently wrote to MVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson seeking a resolution.

“Our legislative office got a small win, but an important one for teen e-bike riders,” Inganamort (R-Morris) said. “To their credit, the MVC has fixed its policy and now 16-year-olds may have both permits at the same time.”

Under New Jersey’s new e-bike requirements, which took effect July 19, riders must be at least 15 and have either an e-bike license or a valid driver’s license to operate a pedal-assisted e-bike with a maximum speed of 20 mph. Riders seeking an e-bike permit must pass a written knowledge test and vision test. A road test is required between 20 and 45 days after receiving a permit to obtain an e-bike license.

“When my son turned 16 this year, he wanted to do what a lot of teenagers want to do: start working toward his driver’s license and get his e-bike permit so he could get around town on his own. We didn’t expect the state to tell him he had to pick one or the other,” Drag said. “I’m grateful to the assemblyman for taking this on and the Motor Vehicle Commission for making it right and allowing New Jersey teenagers to pursue both permits. This is a real win for families like ours.”

Inganamort, a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said he believed the intent of the e-bike law was to improve rider safety rather than force young riders to choose between forms of transportation. His letter urged the MVC to work toward a “solution that keeps young New Jerseyans safe while preserving their transportation options as they work toward full licensure.”

“This story is a great example of how New Jersey’s government should always work for its citizens, efficiently and effectively,” Inganamort said.